A More Perfect Union

It’s a historic year for the United States of America. This year our country turns 250 years old. As a country we have gone through major developments and changes. As a society we still have a lot to learn. The beauty and challenge of America is that we’re such a large country with a broad range of cultures and traditions that have come together over the years. Oftentimes different groups have to fight for their place and this is actually true for the profession of chiropractic. Modern chiropractic was founded in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer. Forms of spinal manipulation actually date back to Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece but the first formal college was started in Davenport, Iowa in 1897 at Palmer College. This is where I attended school. In order to become a chiropractor you have to start with 3-4 years of undergraduate work with a large focus in chemistry, physics, and biology. From there students must attend a 3.5 to 4 year Doctor of Chiropractic program with Chiropractic education focusing on anatomy, physiology, neurology, and diagnostics. During your studies you delve into radiology, spinal adjusting techniques, and extremity techniques. Every program also requires clinical experience with hands-on internships. Lastly students have to pass four parts of National Boards to prove competency before applying for state licensure. After being licensed, chiropractors must complete continuing education hours yearly to further their education and keep up with advancements in the field. 

In the early 1900’s mainstream medicine actually pushed back at chiropractic and tried to eliminate the profession as a whole. There was a major lawsuit in 1976 Wilk v. American Medical Association (AMA) where four chiropractors filed suit against the AMA for trying to destroy the chiropractic profession. What’s crazy is that 1976 really wasn’t that long ago at all. That’s the year the United States celebrated the Bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence. And here we are, now celebrating 250 years. The court case took more than 10 years before Judge Getzendanner ruled in favor of chiropractors when she concluded the AMA engaged in a boycott of chiropractic designed to restrict cooperation between MDs and Chiropractors. To this day, oftentimes there seems to be continued miscommunication between traditional MDs and Chiropractors. The reality is that both groups of doctors need to work together to keep Americans healthy which seems to be an increasingly difficult job. 

I’m grateful to be living in a country that has so many freedoms but I also am surprised daily of the challenges we as humans encounter living somewhere that was founded on wanting peace and equality for all. I’m grateful to be raising my children in this northwoods community where more often than not we still take care of our neighbors, work to support each other, and value protecting nature.


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